20260326 RFP Chefs in Schools.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

PUTNAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

152 WOODSTOCK AVENUE

PUTNAM, CONNECTICUT 06260

CHEFS IN SCHOOLS

OWNER: PUTNAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

OWNER CONTACT: NANCY T. COLE

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

TEL: 860-963-6900

E-MAIL: COLEN@PUTNAM.K12.CT.US

MARCH 26, 2026

mailto:colen@putnam.k12.ct.us

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Request for Proposal

Request for Proposal Instructions

I. Introduction

II. Purpose and Program Goals

III. Scope of Services

IV. Key Deliverables

V. Submission Requirements and Offeror Information

VI. References

VII. Evaluation Criteria

VIII. Proposal Submission Deadline

IX. Timeline

X. General Terms and Conditions............................................................................... 7-10

XI. Contract Provisions ................................................................................................ 11-12

XII. Definitions .............................................................................................................. 12-13

Submittal Checklist

RFP Proposal Form ............................................................................................................... 15-16

Civil Rights Non-Discrimination Statement

Buy American Provision Fact Sheet

APPENDICES

Appendix A Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Appendix B Certification Regarding Lobbying

Appendix C Clean Air and Water Certificate

Appendix D Iran Investment Certification

Appendix E Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and

Voluntary Exclusion - Lower Tier Covered Transactions

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

ISSUING OFFICE: PUTNAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICES

PROJECT: Chefs in Schools

The Putnam Public School District (DISTRICT) is looking to work in partnership with a Contractor who can embed professional chefs in the school district. Offerors are invited to submit a Request for Proposal

(RFP) on the RFP Response Form provided in accordance with the requirements of this RFP and the following instructions.

The DISTRICT will receive proposals until 11:00 AM EST on May 6, 2026, at the Putnam Public

Schools, Board of Education Offices. Interested parties are invited to attend. Proposals will be opened publicly and read aloud immediately after the specified closing time. However, all proposals will be subject to the proposal criteria scoring.

Proposals are to be submitted on the enclosed RFP Proposal Form in a sealed envelope and addressed as follows:

Putnam Public Schools

RFP – Chefs in Schools

152 Woodstock Avenue

Putnam CT 06260

Refer to the “Instructions” of this RFP for other requirements. No Offeror may withdraw their proposal within three (3) calendar days after the actual date of opening thereof without the consent of the

DISTRICT. Proposals received later than the designated date and time will not be accepted. Late, facsimile (fax) or e-mailed copies of proposals will not be accepted.

This RFP may be downloaded from the following websites:

www.putnamschoolsct.org/district/district/pages/bids.

Prospective Offerors’ attention is referred to the State requirements pertaining to conditions of employment to be observed, including Workmen’s Compensation and Equal Employment Opportunities.

This RFP is funded in part by the National School Lunch Program in accordance with Section 7 CFR

210.9(a)(1), 7 CFR 210.14, and 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E and is subject to federal procurement requirements under 2 CFR Part 200 and Appendix II to Part 200.

The DISTRICT reserves the right to waive irregularities and to reject any or all proposals, wholly or in part, to waive any informalities or defects in any or all proposals. The Contract will be awarded to the responsible Offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the DISTRICT considering price and other factors.

http://www.putnamschoolsct.org/district/district/pages/bids

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Request for Proposal Instructions

Chefs in Schools

I. INTRODUCTION

The DISTRICT consists of three schools and is located in a rural community. Total enrollment is approximately 1,150 students. The DISTRICT participates in the Community Eligibility Provision

(CEP) Program and offers breakfast and lunch meals at no cost to all students during the school year. The Food Service Department operates the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Child Nutrition Programs at two feeding sites. Putnam Elementary School and Putnam Middle

School is one site, which is comprised of one kitchen with two separate cafeterias and separate serving lines. Putnam High School is the other site. The department is made up of one Food

Service Director, 2 Managers, 12 General Workers and 11 Lunch Aides. The following chart depicts some meal service program information.

Description of Program Average Meals per Year

School Breakfast Program (SBP) 132,000

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) 165,000

Child and Adult Care Food Program

(CACFP) At-Risk Afterschool Care -

Supper Program

22,000

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) 20,000

Below is a list of the schools along with estimated enrollment.

Putnam Elementary School Putnam Middle School Putnam High School

33 Wicker Street 35 Wicker Street 152 Woodstock Avenue

Putnam, CT 06260 Putnam, CT 06260 Putnam, CT 06260

Grades PreK through 4 Grades 5 through 8 Grades 9 through 12

Enrollment: 550 Enrollment: 350 Enrollment: 250

Phone: 860-963-6925 Phone: 860-963-6920 Phone: 860-963-6905

II. PURPOSE and PROGRAM GOALS

The DISTRICT seeks proposals from qualified Offerors to provide professional culinary services in support of the DISTRICT’S USDA Child Nutrition Program. Services shall enhance scratch cooking, student engagement, menu development, staff training, and compliance with USDA meal pattern requirements administered through the Connecticut State Department of Education.

PROGRAM GOALS

• Optimize the nutritional value of all food offerings

• Solicit student input in the development of menus

• Increase student participation in the meal programs

• Reduce the use of processed foods in program meals

• Increase whole, simply prepared foods in school menus (scratch cooking)

• Incorporate local foods in the school meal program

• Offer diverse menus that are accessible to all students

• Provide staff training

• Ensure the sustainability of the school meal program as self-operating and self-funded

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III. SCOPE OF SERVICES

Pricing for the scope of services shall be considered in two parts. Part A shall consist of a Program

Assessment, and Part B shall consist of a Program Plan. The awarded Offeror shall assess the current school meal program with a focus on menus, kitchen facilities and operations, and staffing.

The awarded Offeror will:

• collaborate with DISTRICT staff on the development of strategies to achieve expressed program goals;

• provide a professional on-site chef, in each kitchen, approved by the DISTRICT, to spearhead the execution of defined strategies that facilitate improved outcomes for the

USDA Child Nutrition Program, and

• provide ongoing support and resources to its on-site chefs and the DISTRICT in their work to achieve program goals.

Part A. Program Assessment

• Conduct an in-depth evaluation of the current food service program

• Assess kitchen infrastructure, equipment, cleanliness, and operational protocols

• Evaluate staffing roles and responsibilities

• Engage with DISTRICT stakeholders to align goals and define key challenges

Part B. Program Plan

• Placement of full-time Program Chefs, who are dedicated to the DISTRICT for one year, with the option of continuing for up to 4 (four) additional years. The DISTRICT has interest in one chef for each of its kitchens (2 kitchens).

• Provide hands-on training and mentorship for kitchen staff

• Develop and refine NSLP, SBP, CACFP and SFSP-compliant menus and recipes to improve meal participation and quality

• Offer procurement guidance to balance food quality and budget

• Incorporate local farm-to-school products

• Assist in developing a labor model structure and staff retention strategies

• Create and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), kitchen signage, and training documents

• Support the hiring process with job descriptions and recruitment guidance

• Establish community outreach initiatives to increase engagement with school meal programs

• Student engagement activities (e.g. tastings, demonstrations, nutritional education support)

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IV. KEY DELIVERABLES

• Part A - Comprehensive operational assessment report

• Part B - Implementation of enhanced menus and recipes

• Part B - Staff training and development plan

• Part B - Procurement recommendations and equipment guidance

• Part B - Assistance with hiring and job descriptions

• Part B - Ongoing strategic planning and program optimization

• Part B - Participation reports for student engagement activities

• Part B - Community outreach programs

V. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND OFFEROR INFORMATION

Interested Offerors must submit the following documentation:

1. Describe the experience of your firm in providing and supporting the type of work being proposed. Include the length of time your company has been in business.

2. Include the most recent relevant work of this type of similar size and scope as is proposed.

3. Provide a list of the school clients for whom you have done similar work.

4. Describe proposed methodology for achieving project goals.

5. Identify timeline with key milestones.

6. Cost breakdown and justification

7. Professional culinary credentials and relevant institutional cooking experience; resumes of assigned personnel must be included

VI. REFERENCES

Offerors must provide references for at least three (3) school clients for whom they have completed a similar project. Preference is for references which are similar in size and scope. Please provide the following information for each reference:

Name of Organization

Contact Person

Phone Number

E-Mail Address

Date of implementation (e.g. October 2025):

Scope of Work

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VII. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Total Possible Points: 100

To comply with federal procurement standards, criteria must be clear, documented, and weighted.

Responses to the Request for Proposal will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

1. Qualifications & Experience (25 Points)

• Relevant culinary credentials

• K-12 food service experience in a school participating in the USDA Child Nutrition

Programs or institutional food service experience

• Experience with USDA Child Nutrition Programs

2. Technical Approach / Program Design (30 Points)

• Understanding of USDA Child Nutrition Program requirements

• Plan for training staff

• Strategy for student engagement

• Innovation while maintaining compliance

3. Personnel (15 Points)

• Experience of assigned chefs

• Ability to work collaboratively in school environments

4. Cost Proposal (20 Points)

• Total proposed cost

• Cost reasonableness

• Clarity of pricing structure

(Important: Federal guidance requires cost/price to be considered.)

5. References & Past Performance (10 Points)

• Performance on similar projects

• Client satisfaction

All evaluations and judgments about the proposals shall be made solely by DISTRICT representatives. All selection decisions shall be made by the DISTRICT in its complete and sole discretion. The Contract will be awarded to the responsible Offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the DISTRICT considering price and other factors.

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VIII. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE

All proposals must be submitted by May 6, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

All questions regarding this RFP are to be submitted to Nancy Cole, Business Administrator, at colen@putnam.k12.ct.us. Final questions must be submitted by 11:00 AM EST on April 16, 2026 to allow sufficient time for release of any final addendum prior to the RFP closing date and time.

The DISTRICT will distribute to all Offerors the questions and answers by addendum as deemed appropriate.

In order to control information disseminated and protect the integrity of the RFP process, Offerors interested in submitting responses are directed not to make personal contact with members of the

DISTRICT, Administration, or staff.

IX. TIMELINE

Please refer to the following RFP Schedule of Events.

DATE DESCRIPTION

March 26, 2026 Request for Proposal (RFP) Issued

April 9, 2026 Pre-Proposal Conference - 1:30 PM

Attendance Required Attendance NOT Required

Address:

Putnam Public Schools

Administrative Offices

152 Woodstock Avenue

Putnam, CT 06260

Site visitations immediately following the Pre-Proposal Conference

April 16, 2026 Questions from Offerors Due - 11:00 AM EST

April 22, 2026 Responses from DISTRICT to the Questions from Offerors

(Written/Posted)

May 6, 2026 Proposal Deadline - 11:00 AM EST

May 7-8, 2026 Review and Evaluation of Proposals

May 8-12, 2026 Clarifications/Questions by District to Offerors (if applicable)

May 19, 2026 Award of Contract by Board of Education

June 2026 Executed Contract mailto:colen@putnam.k12.ct.us

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X. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Reservation of Rights

The DISTRICT reserves the right to:

• Reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part;

• Waive informalities, irregularities, or minor technical defects in proposals;

• Request clarification or additional information from any Offeror;

• Negotiate terms, scope, or pricing with one or more Offerors;

• Award a Contract in whole or in part;

• Cancel, amend, or reissue this RFP at any time;

• Award a Contract without further discussion based solely on initial proposals received;

• Award a Contract to the responsible Offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the

DISTRICT considering price and other factors.

The DISTRICT shall not be liable for any costs incurred by Offerors in the preparation or submission of proposals.

2. Award of Contract

Award, if made, shall be to the responsible and responsive Offeror whose proposal is determined to be in the best interest of the DISTRICT, taking into consideration price and other evaluation factors set forth in this RFP. The DISTRICT reserves the right to negotiate final contract terms with the selected Offeror prior to award.

3. Federal Funding Requirements (If Applicable)

This procurement is funded in whole or in part with federal funds, so the Contract shall be subject to all applicable provisions of 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Administrative

Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards).

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, executive orders, and reporting requirements.

The DISTRICT reserves the right to incorporate required federal contract provisions, including but not limited to:

• Equal Employment Opportunity

• Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment

• Debarment and Suspension Certification

• Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards (if applicable)

• Clean Air Act and Federal Water Pollution Control Act (if applicable)

• Iran Investment Certification (Connecticut Requirement)

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4. Indemnification

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Contractor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the DISTRICT, its officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, and expenses arising out of or resulting from the performance of the Contract, provided that such claim is attributable to bodily injury, sickness, death, or property damage caused in whole or in part by the negligent acts or omissions of the Contractor.

5. Insurance

Offeror shall agree to maintain in force at all times during the contract the following minimum coverages and shall name Putnam Board of Education as an Additional Insured on a primary and non-contributory basis to all policies, except Workers Compensation. All policies should also include a Waiver of Subrogation.

Insurance shall be written with Carriers approved in the State of Connecticut and with a minimum AM Best’s Rating of “A-“ VIII. In addition, all Carriers are subject to approval by

Putnam Board of Education.

Minimum

Limits

General Liability

Each Occurrence

General Aggregate

Products/Completed Operations

Aggregate

Abuse and Molestation Liability

$1,000,000

$2,000,000

$2,000,000

$1,000,000

Auto Liability

Combined Single Limit

Umbrella/Excess

Liability

Each Occurrence

Aggregate

If any policy is written on a “Claims Made” basis, the policy must be continually renewed for a minimum of two (2) years from the completion date of this contract. If the policy is replaced and/or the retroactive date is changed, then the expiring policy must be endorsed to extend the reporting period for claims for the policy in effect during the contract for two (2) years from the completion date.

Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability

WC Statutory Limits

EL Each Accident

EL Disease Each Employee

EL Disease Policy Limit

$1,000,000

Original, completed Certificates of Insurance must be presented to the Putnam Board of

Education prior to contract issuance. Offeror agrees to provide replacement/renewal certificates at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the policies. Should any of the above-described policies be cancelled, limits reduced, or coverage altered, 60 days written notice must be given to the Putnam Board of Education.

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6. Non-Appropriation of Funds

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the DISTRICT’S obligation to make payments under any resulting Contract is subject to the availability and appropriation of funds. In the event funds are not appropriated, the DISTRICT may terminate the Contract without penalty.

7. Assignment

The Contractor shall not assign or transfer any interest in the Contract without prior written consent of the DISTRICT.

8. Governing Law

Any Contract resulting from this RFP shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.

9. Protest Procedure

Any Offeror wishing to protest the award or solicitation must submit a written protest to the

DISTRICT within five (5) business days of the notice of intent to award. The protest shall include a detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds for the protest. Protests regarding this RFP are to be directed to the name and address listed below.

Steven Rioux

Superintendent of Schools

Putnam Public Schools

152 Woodstock Avenue

Putnam, CT 06260

860-963-6900, Extension 5399 riouxs@putnam.k12.ct.us

10. Federal & Connecticut Compliance Provisions

a. Compliance With Federal Regulations

This procurement is funded in whole or in part with federal funds. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable provisions of 2 CFR Part 200, including Appendix II to Part 200

— Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards.

The Contractor acknowledges that federal funding may originate from U.S. Department of

Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs administered through the Connecticut State

Department of Education.

b. Suspension and Debarment

The Contractor certifies that it and its principals are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in federally funded transactions.

The District reserves the right to verify the Contractor’s status in SAM.gov prior to award.

c. Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment

For contracts exceeding $100,000, the Contractor shall comply with the Byrd Anti-Lobbying

Amendment (31 U.S.C. §1352) and shall file required certifications.

mailto:riouxs@putnam.k12.ct.us

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d. Equal Employment Opportunity

The Contractor shall comply with Executive Order 11246, as amended, and all applicable federal nondiscrimination requirements.

e. Clean Air Act & Federal Water Pollution Control Act

For contracts exceeding $150,000, the Contractor shall comply with all applicable standards, orders, or regulations issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act and the Federal Water Pollution

Control Act.

f. Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act

If applicable, the Contractor shall comply with sections 103 and 107 of the Contract Work

Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 3701–3708).

g. Non-Appropriation / Funding Contingency

The District’s obligation under any resulting contract is contingent upon the availability of federal and/or state funding. In the event such funding is reduced, delayed, or eliminated, the

District may terminate the contract without penalty upon written notice.

h. Record Retention and Access

The Contractor shall maintain all records related to this contract for a minimum of three (3) years after final payment and shall allow access by the District, the Connecticut State

Department of Education, USDA, the Comptroller General of the United States, or any authorized representatives for audit or review purposes.

i. Non-Discrimination (USDA Specific)

The Contractor shall comply with all USDA nondiscrimination requirements applicable to

Child Nutrition Programs.

j. Connecticut-Specific Protections

1) Governing Law

This Contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut.

2) Venue

Any legal action shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction within the State of

Connecticut.

3) No Indemnification of Contractor

Notwithstanding any language proposed by the Contractor, the DISTRICT shall not indemnify or hold harmless the Contractor.

k. DISTRICT Requirements

• Background checks consistent with Connecticut school requirements

• Proof of food safety certification (ServSafe or equivalent)

• Compliance with DISTRICT wellness policies

• Compliance with USDA meal pattern requirements

• Compliance with Connecticut food safety and sanitation regulations

• Compliance with all applicable federal regulations under 2 CFR Part 200

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XI. CONTRACT PROVISIONS

1. Execution of Contract

Issuance of a Purchase Order shall evidence the contractual agreement between the Contractor and the DISTRICT and the Contractor’s acceptance of the RFP instructions and provisions.

2. Contract Term

The initial term of this contract shall commence on or about August 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 with the option to renew for an additional four (4) years in one (1) year increments, based upon mutual consent of the parties to the Contract. The start date is negotiable if necessary.

3. Right to Monitor

The DISTRICT reserves the right to observe, monitor, and evaluate services provided under the

Contract at any time to ensure compliance with program requirements.

4. Termination of Contract

Contracts in excess of $10,000 shall contain provisions for termination for cause and for convenience by the DISTRICT, including the manner by which termination shall be effected and the basis for settlement.

Subject to the provisions below, the Contract may be terminated by the DISTRICT upon thirty

(30) days advance written notice to the Contractor; but if any work or service hereunder is in progress, but not completed as of the date of termination, then the Contract may be extended upon written approval of the DISTRICT until said work or services are completed and accepted.

All information and materials gathered and/or prepared by or for it under the terms of the

Contract shall be delivered to, become and remain the property of the DISTRICT. The

DISTRICT shall have the right to use and reproduce the data and reports submitted hereunder, without additional compensation to the Contractor.

a) Termination for Cause: The DISTRICT may terminate this Contract, in whole or in part, for cause in the event the Contractor fails to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Contract, fails to make sufficient progress so as to endanger performance, or otherwise breaches any material provision of the Contract.

The DISTRICT shall provide written notice specifying the nature of the default. The

Contractor shall have ten (10) calendar days (or such longer period as the DISTRICT may authorize in writing) to cure the deficiency. If the deficiency is not cured within the allowed time, the DISTRICT may terminate the Contract immediately by written notice.

In the event of termination for cause, the DISTRICT shall be liable only for payment for goods and services satisfactorily rendered and accepted prior to the effective date of termination. The Contractor shall not be entitled to payment for lost or anticipated profits.

b) Termination for Convenience: The DISTRICT may terminate this Contract, in whole or in part, at any time and for any reason, by providing written notice to the Contractor at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the effective date of termination.

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In the event of termination for convenience, the Contractor shall be entitled to payment only for goods delivered and services properly performed and accepted prior to the effective date of termination, plus reasonable, documented, and approved costs directly attributable to termination. The Contractor shall not be entitled to compensation for anticipated profits or consequential damages.

c) Termination Due to Unavailability of Funds in Succeeding Fiscal Years: If funds are not appropriated or otherwise made available to support continuation of the performance of the

Contract in a subsequent fiscal year, then the Contract shall be cancelled and, to the extent permitted by law, the Contractor shall be reimbursed for the reasonable value of any non-recurring costs incurred but not amortized in the price of the supplies or services delivered under the Contract.

d) Effect of Termination

Upon termination, the Contractor shall:

• Cease all work as directed by the DISTRICT;

• Take all reasonable steps to mitigate costs;

• Deliver to the DISTRICT all completed work, work in progress, data, reports, materials, and DISTRICT-owned property;

• Refund any advance payments for goods or services not provided.

XII. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Request for Proposal (RFP) and any resulting Contract, the following definitions shall apply:

District

The Putnam Public School District (DISTRICT), acting through its duly authorized representatives.

RFP (Request for Proposals)

This solicitation document, including all attachments, exhibits, addenda, and incorporated documents, issued by the DISTRICT to obtain competitive proposals.

Offeror

Any individual, firm, company, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity submitting a proposal in response to this RFP.

Proposal

The complete response submitted by an Offeror to this RFP, including all required forms, certifications, pricing, and supporting documentation.

Contractor

The Offeror selected by the DISTRICT and with whom a contract is executed.

Contract

The written agreement between the DISTRICT and the Contractor, including this RFP, the

Contractor’s proposal (as accepted by the DISTRICT), and any negotiated amendments or addenda.

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Responsible Offeror

An Offeror who has the capability, integrity, experience, financial capacity, and reliability to fully perform the requirements of the Contract.

Responsive Proposal

A proposal that conforms in all material respects to the requirements of the RFP.

Addendum

A written clarification or modification to this RFP issued by the DISTRICT.

APPENDICES

The following Appendices must be completed and submitted as part of the RFP.

1) Appendix A - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

2) Appendix B - Certification Regarding Lobbying

3) Appendix C - Clean Air and Water Certificate

4) Appendix D - Iran Investment Certification (Connecticut Requirement)

5) Appendix E - Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary

Exclusion

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SUBMITTAL CHECK LIST

The listed documents below are required to be provided as part of your RFP submittal.

V. 1. Offeror Information

Company Letter Including Length of Time in Business

V. 2. Offeror Information

Most Recent Relevant Work Experience of

Similar Size and Scope

V. 3. Offeror Information

List of School Clients for Whom You Have

Done Similar Work

V. 4. Offeror Information

Plan for Achieving Project Goals

V. 5. Offeror Information

Timeline with Key Milestones

V. 6. Offeror Information

Cost Breakdown and Justification

V. 7. Offeror Information

Culinary Credentials and Resumes

VI. Offeror Information

References - 3 School Clients

Pages 15-16

RFP Proposal Form

RFP Proposal Form

Appendix A Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Appendix B Certification Regarding Lobbying

Appendix C Clean Air and Water Certificate

Appendix D Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary

Exclusion - Lower Tier Covered

Transactions

Appendix E Iran Investment Certification

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PUTNAM PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

RFP PROPOSAL FORM

Chefs in Schools

DATE:

SUBMITTED BY:

Firm Name

Mailing Address

City/State/Zip

TELEPHONE: ( )

E-MAIL:

CONTACT:

Name/Title

1. PROPOSAL

The undersigned hereby attests-by-signature, having examined the details in the Request for

Proposal, and hereby offers to perform the work for the sum as indicated below:

One-Time Fee Program Assessment $

Annual Fixed Cost for Services $

Year 1 - August 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027

Additional Years to run - July 1st to June 30th

Estimated Number of Service Days per Week

Pricing is to be all-inclusive (travel, materials, supplies, etc.)

The undersigned certifies under penalty of perjury that this response is in all respects Bonafide, fair and made without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this Section, the word

"person" shall mean any natural person, joint venture, partnership, corporation, or other business or legal entity.

2. ACCEPTANCE

This offer shall be open to acceptance and is irrevocable for three (3) calendar days from the closing date. The successful Offeror will be required to furnish a Certificate of Insurance meeting or exceeding the minimum coverage as indicated in the Specifications within five (5) business days of the award.

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3. HOURS FOR WORK

The undersigned certifies that he/she will schedule the work to conform with the school system’s operations and that the work will be performed during mutually agreed upon hours.

4. COMPLETION TIME

The DISTRICT would like the work to begin on or after August 1, 2026. The undersigned agrees that if this proposal is accepted, he/she will schedule the work with the Director of Food Services.

The start date is negotiable if necessary.

5. SIGNATURE

Signature

Typed Name/Title

END OF DOCUMENT

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Civil Rights Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact

USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA

Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at:

https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf

, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The Connecticut State Department of Education is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons. The Connecticut Department of Education does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race; color; religious creed; age; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; workplace hazards to reproductive systems, gender identity or expression; marital status; national origin; ancestry; retaliation for previously opposed discrimination or coercion, intellectual disability; genetic information; learning disability; physical disability (including, but not limited to, blindness); mental disability (past/present history thereof); military or veteran status;

status as a victim of domestic violence; or criminal record in state employment, unless there is a bona fide occupational qualification excluding persons in any of the aforementioned protected classes. Inquiries regarding the Connecticut State Department of Education’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Attorney Louis Todisco, Connecticut State Department of Education, by mail 450 Columbus

Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103-1841; or by telephone 860-713-6594; or by email louis.todisco@ct.gov.

Date: 03.02.26

Bids and RFPs/RFP Chefs IN Schools https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf mailto:program.intake@usda.gov mailto:louis.todisco@ct.gov

BUY AMERICAN:

SUPPORTING DOMESTIC AGRICULTURE

IN SCHOOL MEALS

The BUY AMERICAN PROVISION safeguards the health and well-being of our Nation’s children and supports the U.S. economy, American farmers, and small and local agricultural businesses (7 CFR 210.21 (d) and Memo SP 38-2017).

School food authorities (SFAs) in the continental United States* must purchase domestic agricultural commodities and food products. For foods that are unprocessed, the agricultural commodities must be domestic, and for foods that are processed, they must be processed domestically using domestic agricultural food components that are comprised of over 51% domestically grown items, by weight or volume. A domestic creditable food component is the portion that counts toward a reimbursable school meal (meats/meat alternates, grains, vegetables, fruits, and fluid milk).

How SFAs Can Buy American Foods •• Develop menus that include only domestic foods and domestic food products. **

•• Include the Buy American provision and Geographic

Preference option in written procurement procedures, specifications in solicitations, and contracts for food;

be sure to monitor contractor performance.

•• Require suppliers to attest that their final food products are either 100% domestic commodities or a food product containing over 51% domestic food components, by weight or volume.

•• Use USDA Foods and food products processed in the United States using USDA Foods.

•• Participate in USDA's Farm to School Grant Program.

Exceptions to Buy American There are two limited exceptions when non-domestic foods may be purchased. These exceptions are determined by the SFA:

•• The food or food product is not produced or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities of a satisfactory quality; or

•• Competitive bids reveal the cost of a United States food or food product is significantly higher than the non-domestic product.

REMEMBER:

Document exceptions and keep records!

*SFAs in Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. territories are exempt from the Buy American provision. However, SFAs in Hawaii are required to purchase food products produced in Hawaii in sufficient quantities, as determined by the SFA, per 7 CFR 210.21(d) (3). Likewise, SFAs in Puerto Rico are required to purchase food products produced in Puerto Rico in sufficient quantities, under 42 USC 1760(n)(4).

**Information on availability of domestic foods available at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news.

•• Foods and food products of Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Northern

Mariana Islands are considered domestic.

April 2019 | FNS 827 | USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

BUY AMERICAN

7 CFR 210.21(D) AND MEMO SP 38-2017

April 2019 | FNS 827 | USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Buy American applies.

Was the agricultural commodity or food product purchased using the nonprofit school food service account?

Buy American does not apply.

This is an agricultural commodity (i.e., unprocessed). Agricultural commodities must be produced in the United States.

Is this a processed food product that uses agricultural commodities?

The agricultural food product must be:

1) processed in the United States; and

2) �of the creditable food components, over 51% must be domestic by weight or volume.*

Applies to Program and non-Program foods.

A documented exception is permitted, and a non-domestic agricultural commodity or food product may be purchased.

Buy American applies.

Document any exceptions used;

Consider domestic food alternatives prior to approving non-domestic foods;

Show documentation on procurement and administrative reviews.

Do either of the exceptions apply?

*As determined by the SFA.

Do competitive bids reveal the United States agricultural commodity or food product is significantly more costly?*

Is the agricultural commodity or food product produced or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities of a satisfactory quality?*

SFAs can obtain information on Buy American at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/compliance-enforcement-buy-american or by contacting their State agency.